Ray Cooper III Believes The PFL is True to The Sport of MMA

Ray Cooper III quickly became a welterweight favorite last week with his 18 second, first-round knockout of Pavlo Kush at PFL 6 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Prior to that, he was an underdog at PFL 3 when he finished Jake Shields in Washington D.C. His focus and tenacity have carried him into the playoffs and after the last event, Cooper reiterated what motivates him to compete and why he loves fighting for the PFL.

Cooper told media after his recent win that he thinks the PFL is more professional and likes the way winners advance in their format, he likened it to collegiate wrestling. “I think they’re more professional than the UFC,” Cooper said. He added “I think they’re getting too focused on entertainment too much entertainment we are more sport driven and the tournament style is like how collegiate wrestling is. You win, you advance you lose you go home.”

“That’s pretty much how that’s why I like this promotion. They do it the real old-school way.” -Ray Cooper III

The Hawaiian fighter became an instant headliner with his family rivalry against Shields being the focus of PFL 3 and even though he got the win, he feels another fight with Shields will be the one that settles it for good in the playoffs. Coincidentally, Shields also fought and won a three-round decision at PFL 6 and said he would like a rematch with Cooper.

With both men securing enough points to make it to the playoffs, they are both likely to get their wish. PFL 7 will take place at in the same venue, The Ocean Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey August 30.

Edward holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Along with over 20 years martial arts experience, he is lead MMA contributor at Frontproof Media and also writes for Sherdog while maintaining his own site, The Blogboard Jungle. You can follow him on Twitter @Carbazel